12 signs of hormone imbalance in women

Hormone imbalance
normally occurs in women and it is associated with various signs, and these
signs are been experienced by women who are victims of such situation. Before
we go further, let me break down some certain terms so that this topic and post
can be easily understood by all. So, let us go ahead.

What
are hormones?

Hormones are chemical
substances that are been secreted by one organ or tissue, transported by the
blood stream to its target organ, where it carries out its physiological
activities. Example of hormones are; insulin, oestrogen, progesterone,
testosterone etc. The knowledge of hormones is quite vast, i will advice you
conduct further research for in-depth understanding about hormones and how they
function.

What
is hormonal imbalance in women?

Hormonal imbalance in
women refers to an alteration or throwing out of place in the levels of certain
hormones, mainly oestrogen and progesterone, in women's body. Hormone imbalance
can lead to various health problems and general inconveniences for women, which
is quite unfavourable. Next, we shall be looking at the signs involved.

12
Tale signs of hormone imbalance in women

1.
Irregular periods

On a normal condition,
women experience their periods every 3 to 5 weeks, but a woman will usually
observe a relatively stable pattern. When a woman observes that hers does not
come about the same time monthly, or she skips some months completely, then
there are tendencies that there is a sort of imbalance in her progesterone and
oestrogen levels. It might be as a result of health issues like PCOS (Poly
cystic ovary syndrome) or similar issues.

When irregular periods
happens during your 40s and 50s, it should not attract too much of a concern as
it is most likely perimenopause, which is the time leading up to menopause.

2.
Trouble falling asleep

When a woman
experiences struggling in order to fall asleep, or just not gettinggood night's rest, it might be as a result of
her hormones acting up. When the levels of oestrogen and progesterone are lower
than normal, it can result in difficulty falling asleep and even lead to hot
flashes or night sweats.

3.
Long-term acne

It is completely normal
when a woman observes odd pimples or slight breakout of acne during the time of
her period, but when it refuses to go away after then, then it might be as a
result of a problem. This situation is usually caused by an increased levels of
androgens in her body, which is the male hormone that is found in a little
amount in females. A raised level of androgen in females causes problems with
oil glands and skin oils.

4.
Loss of concentration and memory

There is no clearer
understanding of the link between the hormones and the brain yet, but an
alteration in hormone levels does seem to make the head feel a little bit
foggy. This can eventually lead to problems with memory and concentration.

5.
Gut and digestion problems

Gut and digestion
problems can occur when there is an alteration in some hormone levels that are
associated with it. The receptor cells on the inside of the stomach are
responsive to oestrogen and progesterone. If there is an alteration in these
hormone levels, it can result to issues with digesting foods and leads to
stomach cramps, bloating and diarrhoea.

6.
Chronic fatigue

When there is an
increased levels of progesterone and low levels of thyroid hormones, it can
cause a woman to feel sleepy always and makes her to be out of energy most of
the time.

7.
Mood swings

When there is a
fluctuated levels of oestrogen, it can temper with the brain chemicals, causing
a woman to feel very moody and most times a bit down or depressed.

8.
Weight gain

Lower levels of
oestrogen can often make a woman to feel annoyed or sad, causing her to eat
much as to gain comfort. This is the most likely cause of weight gain due to
hormone fluctuations.

9.
Headaches

Headaches can be as
result of many factors, but for women, a drop in oestrogen level is another
reason. This is the main reason why headaches are very common before and during
the period of a woman.

10.
Vaginal dryness

Occasional vaginal
dryness is normal and experienced by most women. But if it is occurring more
than normal on a regular basis, then it might be due to low levels of
oestrogen. Oestrogen helps to ensure that the vaginal tissue is always
lubricated, if there is an imbalance in oestrogen level, it can result to
dryness and tightness.

11.
Lower libido

Testosterone is
generally known as the male hormone, but women also have a little amount of it
in their bodies. When the quantity becomes so low in women, it can also reduce
her sex drive.

12.
Breast changes

Alteration in oestrogen
levels in the body (for example, it going up and down), can have an effect on
the breast tissue of a woman. If you notice any changes in your breast, it is
advisable to meet with your doctor for proper examination and to ensure that
nothing is unusual.